Monday, March 26, 2007

Develop a Guitar Practice Schedule

By: Kathy Unruh

Now is as good a time as any to develop a Guitar PracticeSchedule. Let's face it, if we want to be better guitar players,then we need to play! Notice that the key word here is play, notwork. But, if you're anything like me, then you know how easy itis to let other demands on your time get in the way ofpracticing your guitar. Time management is always a challenge,but I find it helps when I write things down and can visualizemy priorities.

Today I would like to help you develop a practice schedule soyou'll be able to reach some of your goals as a guitarplayer.Every guitarist's practice schedule will differ due topersonal lifestyle, job & home demands, hobbies, social life,etc. Being a beginner, intermediate or advanced guitar playerwill also effect how and what you practice.

As a beginner, your main goal is to develop the calluses,strength and coordination skills needed to play the guitar.Practicing 15-20 minutes a day should be enough time toaccomplish this. Once you gain some proficiency on the guitaryou can adjust your practice schedule according to yourparticular needs and desires.

It's a good idea to set aside a specific time each day when youwill be able to focus on playing your guitar. Mark down thistime on a calendar and keep it some place where you can see itas a reminder of your committment. Tell your family about ittoo. Let them know that their support is important and will helpyou reach your goals.

Next, take a sheet of paper and create a basic outline of whatyou will need to work on each day. Make sure you incorporatechords, various guitar techniques, plus tab and/or note readingskills into your practice schedule, as these are the commonareas that every guitarist can use to develop their skills.

Here is an example of what your Guitar Practice Schedule mightlook like:

MONDAY

Reading Music - Use standard notation &/ortablature to learn a song, or play a single line melody.

Goal : To improve sight reading skills in order to learnnew songs and guitar techniques.

TUESDAY

Chords - Practice strumming various chordsprogressions and songs in different keys.

Goal: To change easily & smoothly between chords. Long termgoal being to learn the fundamental chords for all 12 keys.

WEDNESDAY

Performing - Memorize a song you have learned.Play it in front of someone, or record yourself.

Goal: To gain confidence and get feedback in order toimprove guitar playing abilities.

Goal: To increase understanding of music and improve fingerdexterity on the guitar.

FRIDAY

Fretboard - Memorize &/or review the notes onthe fretboard.

Goal: To improve fretboard awareness in order to facilitatea broader range of playing options.

SATURDAY

Review - Take time to go over any trouble spots.Concentrate on one specific area. Write down any thoughts orsteps needed to improve performance &/or understanding.

Goal: To play the guitar in such a way that it producesmusic with a clean, clear, quality sound.

SUNDAY

Free Time - Take time off or experiment. Playaround with different sounds using your ear. Make up a chord,song or melody line. Create a repertoire so you can play thepieces you enjoy. Have some fun.

Goal: To become a creative guitarist andmusician.

About the author:Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of href="http://www.abclearnguitar.com/free-guitar-lesson.html"target="_blank">ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writingsongs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages forover 25 years.